Learning Without Limits

Kingwood Junior Prep

Welcome to Kingwood Junior Prep (KJP), a virtual middle school for grades 6 through 8. 

Based in Kingwood, Texas, and partnered with Stride (K12), KJP offers a fully asynchronous, TEKS-aligned education that blends academic excellence with local enrichment. Our owl mascot guides students across Texas—whether in Kingwood, Humble, Atascocita, Porter, or beyond—toward academic excellence and community connection.

Ready to soar with KJP?

Quick Facts

  • Grades Served: 6–8

  • Curriculum: TEKS-aligned, Cognia-accredited, provided by Stride (K12)

  • Platform: Canvas LMS for self-paced learning, communication, and student management

  • Areas of Focus: STEM, humanities, ELL, technology, and community engagement

  • Unique Opportunities: Field trips, STEM workshops, Future Innovators Showcase

  • Eligibility: Open to all Texas-based students

Visit our FAQ to learn more about KJP's eligibility criteria, curriculum, platform, and more.

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The KJP Mission and Vision

Our Mission

Kingwood Junior Prep empowers middle school students with a flexible, asynchronous education that blends technology, humanities, and STEM learning. Our curriculum is enriched by Kingwood-inspired workshops and field trips that foster critical thinking, creativity, and community engagement.

Our Vision

We aim to inspire and prepare confident, curious learners in the Kingwood area across Texas for the challenges of high school and beyond, united by KJP’s owl-branded community.

Our Academic Program

KJP delivers a fully asynchronous, TEKS-aligned curriculum through Canvas LMS. Certified Stride teachers provide ongoing, personalized feedback through Canvas’s built-in communication tools. Our program best prepares students for Kingwood High School and Kingwood Park High School’s AP and CTE programs through coursework and workshops covering everything from personal finance to neuroscience.

Expanding Learning Through Diverse Electives

Students engage in core subjects including math, science, English, and social studies, as well as electives in STEM, technology, and humanities. 

KJP offers a unique range of middle school electives that are often hard to find in other schools and are designed to provide a personalized and flexible learning experience.

Explore Our Electives >

Supported Learning That Fits Your Schedule

KJP supports flexible, student-driven learning with:

  • Self-paced instruction supported by browser-based Office 365 tools

  • Student progress tracking through Canvas

  • Integrated record management and communication

Field Trips and Workshops

Education at KJP goes beyond the screen. Our field trips and workshops (offered both virtually and in person) connect academic learning to real-world experiences. From nature exploration to hands-on tech sessions, our activities bring lessons to life.

Real-world learning experiences include:

  • Environmental science trips to Lake Houston Wilderness Park

  • Historical experiences at the Houston’s many museums

  • STEM workshops led by local professionals

  • Future Innovators Showcase for student-led projects and presentations

Building Community Connections

Kingwood Junior Prep partners with local institutions, such as the Kingwood Chamber of Commerce, to enhance learning through place-based experiences. These partnerships provide students with both academic enrichment and a strong sense of connection to their communities.

Leveraging Local Resources

Students gain real-world connections through community experiences such as:

  • Interactive workshops at regional libraries and museums

  • History and science field trips with virtual participation options

  • Civic engagement experiences tailored for Texas middle schoolers

  • Curriculum designed to prepare students for high school and beyond

Ready to Take Flight with KJP?

Student Life at Kingwood Junior Prep

Students at KJP benefit from the freedom of asynchronous learning combined with opportunities for real connection. Virtual clubs (e.g., coding, book clubs) and enriching field trips and workshops build friendships, whether you’re local or joining from afar. Whether they participate in robotics clubs, attend field trips, or submit projects for the Future Innovators Showcase, our students are part of a supportive and active learning community.

What Makes Student Life Unique at KJP?

KJP offers a well-rounded student experience that includes:

  • Self-paced learning

  • Optional synchronous workshops and live events

  • Clubs for literature, STEM, and more

  • Opportunities to present work to a Texas-wide audience


Fly into the Future with KJP


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Meet the Founders

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Dr. Brett Grayson

Co-Founder & Educational Director

  • Dr. Brett Grayson brings a wealth of educational expertise to Kingwood Junior Prep as its Co-Founder and Educational Director. He has taught everything from Pre-K to Master's level courses for Southern Methodist University, where he earned his M.Ed. in ELL instruction and assessment and classroom technology, and a PhD in Educational Research. His passion for innovative education drives KJP’s vision of blending rigorous curricula with engaging field trips and workshops. 


    Brett ensures that KJP’s partnership with Stride delivers a TEKS-aligned, student-centred virtual learning experience, fostering academic excellence and community connection for Kingwood’s middle schoolers.  He is a proud graduate of Kingwood High School (2002) and wants to best prepare Kingwood’s middle schoolers for Kingwood Park High School or Kingwood High School.

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Sparky Nolan

Co-Founder & Community Engagement Director

  • Sparky Nolan is a dynamic leader committed to strengthening Kingwood’s educational landscape. As President of the Kingwood Chamber of Commerce, Sparky brings extensive experience in community leadership. His vision for KJP emphasizes local ties, bringing families together through hands-on field trips and interactive STEM and humanities workshops.


    Sparky’s strategic partnerships and dedication to KJP’s owl-branded mission ensure that our (mostly) virtual middle school inspires students to thrive academically and socially in a vibrant, supportive community.

Innovative Electives for Today’s Learners

Through the K12 Learning Academy, we offer a range of middle school electives designed to provide personalized, flexible learning experiences. The list of courses offered by K12 can be downloaded here. Our middle school curriculum includes:

Core Subjects: Math, science, language arts, history, art, music, and world languages (e.g., Spanish, French). These are standard but often supplemented with interactive, online components.

Electives:

  • Career-Focused Electives: Starting in 6th grade, students can explore career pathways through courses like career exploration, which introduce skills for fields such as business, technology, or healthcare. These are part of K12’s Career Prep program, which is more structured than typical middle school offerings.

  • STEM Education: Specialized STEM courses beyond standard science, such as coding, robotics, or project-based tech labs, designed to foster hands-on problem-solving.  These courses are supplemented by our local, in-person workshops.

  • World Languages: Options like Spanish, French, or German, often with interactive online components, which are not consistently offered in public schools.

  • Art and Music Appreciation: Courses like Art History or Music Appreciation, which emphasize creative exploration and may include digital tools for virtual art creation or music production.

  • Life Skills and Personal Development: Courses like Personal Health, Nutrition & Wellness, or Introductory Finance, which focus on practical skills for adolescence and beyond.

  • Extracurricular Clubs: Virtual clubs (e.g., career clubs, coding clubs) that function as electives, allowing students to explore interests like technology or entrepreneurship in a collaborative online setting.

Typical Public and Private Middle School Electives

Public and private middle schools vary widely in their elective offerings, but common ones include:

Public Schools:

  • Standard Electives: Band, choir, orchestra, art, physical education (PE), and basic technology (e.g., computer literacy or keyboarding).

  • World Languages: Spanish or French in some districts, though availability depends on funding and location.

  • Specialized Programs: Some public charter or magnet schools offer STEM-focused electives (e.g., robotics, environmental science) or arts (e.g., drama, visual arts), but these are not universal.

  • Limitations: Public schools often face budget and staffing constraints, limiting elective variety.

Private Schools:

  • Standard Electives: Similar to public schools but often with smaller class sizes and more options like advanced art, music (e.g., private instrument lessons), or foreign languages (e.g., Latin).

  • Specialized Offerings: Some private schools emphasize unique programs like faith-based courses (e.g., theology).

  • Flexibility: Private schools may have more autonomy to innovate like KJP, but offerings are restricted by the school’s philosophy and budget.

Our Unique Electives Compared to Public and Other Private Schools

The electives we offer stand out in several ways that public and private middle schools typically don’t offer:

Career-Focused Electives (6th - 8th Grade):

  • KJP: Offers career exploration courses starting in 6th grade, introducing students to fields like technology, healthcare, or business through project-based learning. These align with Stride’s Career Prep program, which is rare for middle school. For example, students can explore “career pathways” with practical applications, such as introductory coding or entrepreneurship.

  • Public/Private: Most public and private middle schools delay career-focused education until high school, offering general electives like art or PE instead. Even charter schools with a career focus (e.g., KIPP) typically start in 9th grade.

Advanced STEM Electives:

  • KJP: Provides specialized STEM courses like coding, robotics, or virtual labs, integrated with interactive online tools and project-based learning. These are tailored for middle schoolers and go beyond basic science.

  • Public/Private: Public schools may offer basic STEM (e.g., computer literacy), but advanced options like coding are less common due to funding or teacher expertise. Private schools may offer STEM, but not all prioritize it, and access depends on the school’s location.

Flexible and Interactive Online Delivery:

  • KJP: Electives are delivered through K12’s Canvas platform, with interactive labs, virtual classes, and hands-on activities tailored for online learning. This allows for dynamic, self-paced exploration not bound by physical classroom constraints.  Our virtual format allows students to engage in electives from anywhere, which is ideal for local families with busy schedules.

  • Public/Private: Public schools often lack the infrastructure for interactive online electives, relying on in-person delivery. Private schools may offer online components (e.g., Pearson Online Academy), but these are tuition-based and less common in middle school.

Frequently Asked Questions

  •  KJP is a virtual private middle school for students in grades 6 through 8. Based in Kingwood, Texas, we offer a fully asynchronous, TEKS-aligned education through our partnership with Stride. Our program includes academic instruction, field trips, and interactive workshops.

  • Yes, the Stride curriculum is Cognia-accredited and TEKS-aligned. Stride is widely used throughout Texas and across the U.S. for virtual instruction.  In addition, KJP is also pending school accreditation with Cognia.

  • Students take core courses in math, science, English, and social studies.

    Explore Our Electives >

  • Unlike homeschooling, KJP offers a structured, TEKS-aligned curriculum delivered by certified Stride teachers.  Our objective is to prepare your middle school child for public high school, and homeschool programs’ credit often do not transfer as they are not accredited by Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC).  

    We also provide opportunities for social engagement through field trips and virtual clubs that are not offered by homeschools or homeschool co-ops

  • We combine a rigorous asynchronous curriculum with place-based learning experiences, such as Kingwood-focused field trips, hands-on workshops, and community engagement.

  • Students complete lessons on their own schedule. While most learning is self-paced, we offer optional synchronous workshops for live engagement.

  • Students will need a computer or tablet with a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. All tools, including Canvas and Office 365, are browser-based and do not require downloading.

  • Any student entering grades 6–8 who resides in Texas is eligible to enroll at KJP.

  • Parents can monitor their student's progress via Canvas, attend virtual conferences, and volunteer at events and workshops and as chaperons for field trips.

  • Students can reach out to teachers via Canvas email or request support through virtual sessions. Live workshops also offer additional hands-on instruction.

  • Our virtual school is designed to accommodate students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).  We are committed to providing accommodations and modifications outlined in a student's IEP to help them access the curriculum and achieve their goals. This can include things like flexible scheduling, adapted materials, and access to assistive technology.

  • Stride offers customized ELL resources, including asynchronous lessons tailored to accessibility and individual learning needs.

  • Currently, KJP is open to Texas-based residents in grades 6–8. We’re exploring options for international enrollment in the future. Contact info@kingwoodjuniorprep.com for updates or to express interest.

  • Assessment occurs through Canvas-based assignments, quizzes, and projects. Certified teachers provide real-time feedback and quarterly report cards.

  • KJP offers an orientation program through Canvas to familiarize students with our asynchronous platform, Office 365 tools, and virtual clubs. Stride-certified teachers and learning coaches (parents) receive training to support the transition, with ongoing tech support. Optional workshops also provide hands-on guidance for new virtual learners.

  • At KJP, student engagement is fostered through interactive Canvas-based lessons, virtual clubs, and in-person or virtual workshops. Our Future Innovators Showcase encourages students to create and present projects, building motivation and peer connection. Certified Stride teachers provide personalized feedback via Canvas to keep students on track.

  • Yes, that is our main objective. Our curriculum is aligned with TEKS and designed to prepare students for AP and CTE programs for high schools such as Kingwood High School and Kingwood Park High School.

  • Stride’s credits are transferable to Texas public middle and high schools.

  • Students build friendships through clubs, field trips, live workshops, and virtual events, many of which are designed for collaborative learning and having fun with peers!

  • No. Participation is optional but encouraged, as these experiences support deeper learning and peer connection.

  • All event registrations take place through Canvas or the KJP website’s event portal. We also send out these details via parent newsletters.

  • Item Yes! Texas-based students from areas like Humble, Atascocita, Porter, or beyond can join virtual field trips and workshops via Canvas or Zoom.

    In-person events, like our trip to Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham, TX, are optional and designed for Kingwood-area students, but offer virtual participation options to ensure accessibility.

  • As a virtual private middle school, KJP’s tuition varies based on enrollment options. Please contact our admissions team at info@kingwoodjuniorprep.com for detailed pricing. We offer flexible payment plans and are exploring scholarship opportunities to support Texas families.

  • KJP’s TEKS-aligned curriculum, delivered via Canvas, is designed to meet Texas state standards, preparing students for STAAR assessments in grades 6–8. Stride’s certified teachers provide targeted practice through assignments and quizzes, with progress tracking to ensure readiness. Optional workshops offer additional test-prep support.

  • The learning coach, typically a parent, supports their student’s asynchronous learning by monitoring progress on Canvas, logging attendance (3–5 hours daily), and communicating with Stride teachers. KJP provides training and resources to help coaches guide their child’s education effectively.

  • KJP prioritizes student safety with secure Canvas LMS access, compliant with FERPA and COPPA. Stride’s platform uses encrypted data and restricted access to protect student information. Virtual clubs and workshops include monitored interactions to ensure a safe learning environment.

    All volunteers, including those assisting with field trips or workshops, undergo thorough background checks to safeguard our students.

  • Kingwood Junior Prep celebrates this gem of a community fondly known as “The Livable Forest.” Kingwood is nestled along Lake Houston, offering a blend of natural beauty, family-friendly amenities, and vibrant local culture that makes it an exceptional place to live and attend school. 

    Residents and visitors alike cherish Kingwood’s tranquil yet lively atmosphere, making it a haven for community connection and a great education. There are serene parks like River Grove and East End that feature winding trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots, perfect for enriching, peaceful field trips among lush greenery and wildlife. Kingwood’s residents enjoy so much in this town, like our 75+ miles of shady Green Belt trails, Town Center’s seasonal events and farmer’s markets, The Clubs of Kingwood (another great destination for our field trips and workshops), the Kingwood dining scene - the list goes on - and it all makes for a unique and beautiful area that KJP wants middle school students to make the most of.

  • KJP’s Director of Education Dr. Brett Grayson is a graduate of Kingwood High School (Class of 2002), and knows exactly what students need to thrive in high school. He’s also an Eagle Scout who lives by the Boy Scout motto: ‘Be Prepared.’ At KJP, we want your child to attend high school in person, and as best prepared as they can be. For KJP students who are zoned to KPHS and KHS, students should know these are two top-tier schools that offer exciting academic and extracurricular experiences that are not to be missed. KPHS and KHS offer dozens of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, preparing students for college-level challenges in subjects like biology, calculus, and history. 

    They offer nationally recognized, award-winning programs (e.g., band, robotics team, debate club), provide opportunities to shine in competitions, and build lifelong skills. Their CTE programs, like veterinary science and engineering, let students explore career paths hands-on, while clubs like National Honor Society and HOSA spark leadership and creativity. 

    Both schools excel in athletics.  Their fine arts programs, including theater and choir, earn rave reviews for fostering inclusivity. They do a fantastic job ensuring students are college-ready.  It’s our job at Kingwood Junior Prep to get your child ready - and excited - for high school.

Ready to Enroll?

Our enrollment process is simple:

  1. Complete the online application

  2. Upload required documents (transcripts, proof of residency)

  3. Fly into your future with KJP!

    Enroll Now >

Let's Chat About Your Student's Future

Have a question? We're here to help. Contact our team at info@kingwoodjuniorprep.com to learn more about Kingwood Junior Prep and all it has to offer.

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